Chapter 42

JOYCE
I patted her back and comforted her. I feel so bad and uneasy that she is going through something like this. She kept this from everyone including me, she must be so devastated. I did go through her stuff put of suspicions. She locked her room when she travelled with Jayden which made me wonder why she had to do that. I have been trying to figure if she has been doing something shady for weeks.
Then I planned to clean the whole house as an excuse to get into the room. I searched through her things and found this below all her clothes. My heart bled when I saw the test results, everything she has been hiding and even the surgery she did. Then I remembered when she was always going out during the days. That was a very long time ago. I suspected her then but she hid it so well.
Then she travelled for a few days, probably to do the surgery. I understand Carla is a strong woman who has been through a lot in her life. This seems so unfair to her. She tries to smile and live her life like everything's okay, when in reality she is suffering from so much pain.
"It's okay Carla. Please don't cry anymore. You can go ahead and rest of you don't want to talk about it now. I feel your pain bestie." I told her.
She wiped her tears, "It just hurts to know that my life has been nothing but hell for me. I found out a year ago about this, I didn't want to show it much that's why I was so distant then. I was able to gather money for a surgery, I thought I would be okay after that. I was told I needed another surgery and treatment sessions to be fully well. I saw no reason in fighting for a life that's not worth it so I gave up."
I gasped, "No Carla! You can't say that. You can't give up. It won't make you better but worse."
She nodded, "I know Joyce. This is why I have gone back to the hospital today. I want to live, I have found a reason to stay in this life."
I know she is talking about Jayden. I'm glad my friend decided to live for him. She finally found love and that makes me so happy. The only sad thing now is her illness, I pray it doesn't get worse and there's a quick remedy to it.
"But don't you think you should tell Jayden about this? I am very sure he'll understand and be willing to support you in all of this." I suggested.
"No. I can't tell him. He already has enough to worry about. There's his little sister who has the same condition as me. That's too much for one person to bear."
"What? His sister also... Oh dear. That's so sad. But you still have to tell him. It would be unfair for him not to know." I still advised her.
It won't be good if Jayden found out later, or in another situation. It would be better he knows so he can render his support.
"No Joyce. I am begging you, don't tell anyone about this. Just respect my decision and tell no one." She refused.
I have to respect whatever she wants. It's her life that's more important than anything else. We can worry about letting her boyfriend know about it later.
"I won't tell anyone bestie. You don't have to worry about it." I assured her. She sighed sadly, feeling much calm. Her body was tensed when I talked earlier.
"I took tests today. I'll go back for the results later, then I will know where to start from."
"Are you hungry? I made something for lunch." I asked.
She shook her head, "I already had lunch with Jerry earlier."
"What? Did you say Jerry?" I asked unable to believe my ears. She told me everything that happened during the trip, going out with Jerry would mean more trouble for him.
"I didn't want to. He promised me that would be the last time so I had to honor his invitation." She explained innocently.
I palmed my face, "Still, that would bring trouble for you if Jayden ever found out. You should be more careful. Being in a relationship is more than making decisions for yourself, you should think about your partner's feelings too."
"I know Joyce. It's the last time, I promise."
I hugged her, "It's okay. I'll be going with you to the hospital from now on. I won't abandon my best friend for work. You can't argue, that's my decision."
"Thank you Joyce. I am very lucky to have you as my friend."
Me too.
•••••
JAY
The door to my office opened, my sister walked in. I wasn't expecting to see her come around especially since she has been ignoring me. She hasn't talked to me since I came back, guess she's still mad at me from suspending her. I don't regret doing that at all.
"What are you doing here Madeline?" I asked as she got closer, then stopped in front of me.
"I came to see you. I was passing by." She said, sitting on the chair.
I scoffed, "Last time I checked, you've been ignoring me since I came back. You even ignored me this morning, now you're here to see me. What do you want Madeline?"
"To tell you I saw your girlfriend at the hospital today with Jerry Hank. They came and left together in his car. Isn't it a bit strange? I thought she was supposed to be your girlfriend?" She replied.
I stared at her like she was crazy, of course she's crazy. I never thought my sister's obsession will get to this level. This is way worse than I thought.
"You've gone completely crazy Madeline. You came all the way here to tell me something as absurd as that. First of all, why do you think I should believe you? You obviously hate her, you'll do anything including killing me to get her away. Leave now Madeline." I growled at her.
She remained unmoved, unwilling to get out.
"I knew you wouldn't believe me. So I had to back up my words with evidence." She brought out her phone and showed me a picture, then another one till they got to ten.
She's right sadly this time. Jerry Hank! That bastard has the guts to go out with my girlfriend after warning him to stay away from her.
"Do you believe me now?"
"You should get something else to do. I did not suspend you so you can become jobless and stalk people unnecessarily. There must be an explanation for this, you can go Madeline." I told her. Her eyes widened in shock, her face turned red probably from embarrassment.
"How can you call me a stalker Jayden?! I was never stalking her! I only went to the hospital and saw her coincidentally. That's not true!" She protested.
"Point noted. Now leave Madeline, for the last time." I warned.
"You believe she's innocent? Are you suddenly stupid or blind Jayden?" She asked irritably.
"I get to decide if I want to believe what I see or not. I chose to trust my girlfriend. Red flags like you are only here to soil the relationship. I shouldn't let that happen to me, get that."
She stomped her feet, "It's useless talking to you! I can't believe I wasted my time. I am sure she is going to disappoint you soon! I promise not to comfort you when it happens!"
She barged out of the office angrily. I sighed, I am also trying to curb my own anger. Those pictures made my blood boil so much that I want to strangle that idiot. Why would Carla go to the hospital with him in the first place? What is going on between them? She promised there's nothing between them, now I don't know what to believe.
I only acted like I don't care in front of my sister to show how much I love Carla. I should ask for an explanation before assuming anything. Madeline doesn't like Carla, it's possible she said what she wants me to believe. The situation could be different. The only way to confirm this is asking Carla about it myself.
I attended a few more meetings and some things at the office before going to Carla's apartment. The whole time, I was uncomfortable. I don't want it to be true. I also wanted to know the truth, I'm too curious. I can't stand seeing her with that man no matter what. She promised to stay away from him so she has to explain herself.
I got to her apartment. Her friend opened the door and welcomed me in.
"Umm... I'll get her." She said and left. That was strange, she sounded nervous and like she is avoiding me. Anyway, that's not why I am here.
"Hey sweetheart!" She rushed to hug me.
I gently pulled away to show my displeasure. She also looked confused, "What's wrong Jayden? Why are you acting cold?"
"What were doing with Jerry Hank at the hospital today?" I asked immediately. I can't hold back my curiosity any longer.
Her expression changed to a terrified and surprised one. Could it be that Madeline is right about her and she's hiding something from me? She stared at me unable to say anything.
"This is true then. I can't believe this." I scoffed.
"That's not what actually happened Jayden. I can explain." She finally said.
"Explain? You went out with my worst enemy after I told you not to. You broke your promise Carla, that's what happened."
"I'm sorry. We only went out for lunch. He promised it would be the last time so I agreed. Also, I went to the hospital alone. He only met me when I was leaving. I am sorry Jayden." She said calmly.
"What were you doing at the hospital in the first place?"
"I... I actually wasn't feeling well so I decided to check the doctor. That's what happened, I promise."
I sighed, "I believe you Carla. How are you feeling now? Do you still need to visit the doctor?"
"No, I'm fine now. Besides I hate hospitals."
Madeline has made another false accusations. I almost believed her and confronted Carla. I should have known she would do anything to separate us. Also, I am sure she has been stalking Carla. She is doing things so low, it's high time I tell mom about this. Madeline would not stop until she gets someone to control her.
"Can I ask you a question?" She asked after a while.
"Yeah."
"Who told you about this? Do you have someone stalking me? Or were you stalking me?"
"My sister told me. She came to the office today. I knew she was up to something fishy." I explained.
"Your sister's taking it too far. She is now stalking me. How am I supposed to feel safe? This is becoming too much." She frowned.
I kissed her hair, "You shouldn't worry yourself about my sister. She can't do anything. She will be out under control soon."
•••••
Later that night, I went home. Luckily, mom and my sister Samantha are there at the living room. I want everyone to be around when I say this.
"Jayden! You came early tonight, is something wrong?" Mom asked when she saw me.
"You don't look happy Jayden. What's wrong?" Samantha also asked.
I looked around, "Where is Madeline?"
"Right here." She said behind me. She confidently walked to my front.
"You wanted to see me right? Here I am." She said with her arms folded.
I scoffed, "I want to talk about Carla. It's high time I let mom and know what is going on between us."
Mom is puzzled, she looked from me to Madeline.
"What is going on between you two? Who is Carla? What are you not telling me?" She asked confused.